67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa arrive Lagos

67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa due to xenophobic challenges arrive Lagos, Nigeria

LAGOS — Another 67 Nigerians have arrived home from South Africa, bringing to 150 the number of citizens returned with the support of a private philanthropic group amid renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.

The latest batch touched down at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday aboard a South African Airways flight. Federal Government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), received the returnees.

67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa due to xenophobic challenges arrive Lagos, Nigeria

The development follows the return of 83 Nigerians assisted by the same group last week, taking the combined number of recent returnees supported through the initiative to 150.

Representing the group, Ikem Ume-Ezeoke and Chief Charles Mba welcomed the Nigerians back and provided each returnee with N50,000 in immediate financial assistance.

Mba, a businessman and philanthropist, urged the returnees to observe the rules of relevant government agencies and approach their return as an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

“No hope is lost, and whatever happened in South Africa would not be a hindrance to the returnees’ growth, particularly that of the children,” he said.

67 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa due to xenophobic challenges arrive Lagos, Nigeria

Ume-Ezeoke, the group’s coordinator, also acknowledged previous efforts by the Federal Government, saying Nigeria has significant potential that returning citizens can help harness.

Return amid renewed xenophobia concerns

The latest repatriation comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-migrant tensions in South Africa, where Nigerians and other foreign nationals have faced recurring xenophobic attacks.

NEMA’s South-West Coordinator, Alex Oturu, said the latest return was facilitated by Nigerians who provided flight tickets and other assistance to those seeking to leave the country.

The wider crisis has triggered a substantial movement of migrants out of South Africa. An AFP tally cited by Nigerian media puts the number of people who have left the country in recent weeks at more than 176,000, based on figures supplied by African countries that have repatriated their nationals. South African police have reported at least four migrant deaths in the violence, although some foreign governments have cited higher figures.

Nigeria has previously experienced diplomatic friction with South Africa over attacks on its citizens, while the issue of anti-migrant violence has increasingly attracted calls for a broader African response. Ghana has pushed for the African Union to debate the matter at its next summit, while Nigeria has similarly sought to place the issue on the continental agenda.

For the 67 Nigerians who arrived in Lagos on Wednesday night, however, the immediate priority is less diplomatic than personal: returning home, accessing basic support and beginning the difficult process of rebuilding after their experience abroad.

With the latest arrival, the private repatriation effort has now brought 150 Nigerians back from South Africa, with each returnee receiving financial assistance to ease the first steps of resettlement.